Compelled by Love
The idea and desire to start Transformed to Hope began in the heart of the founder, Erika Jale, over 10 years ago. During a prayer meeting she wrote down “Transformed to Hope” with the thought that it would be a ministry one day.
After finishing her Masters in Social Work, she was able to visit the Calais refugee camp of over 10,000 refugees in northern France in 2015. Compelled by the opportunity to love our new neighbor, Transformed to Hope was formed for “such a time as this.”
Not long after, she met a young man who also has a heart for refugees, as he himself came to France as a refugee from Afghanistan. As they began to work together with a common love for outreach, they fell in love with each other and got married!
He believes that “even though we cannot keep someone from becoming a refugee, we can do our part in lessening their suffering, isolation and despair. Like a lighthouse, we can be a guiding light towards hope in their lives.”
Together they make up the leadership team of Transformed to Hope in France, combining their unique experiences and skills to serve the refugee community.